Derrick mast with load checking mechanism



Oct. 30, 1962 s. E. coRRY DERRICK MAST WITH LOAD CHECKING MECHANISM 4 m 1 m m "m t y A. w w nm h 0V9 M Cm a 7 E e I I m (m 2 V m 3 VII. Y B i M Filed 001;. a, 1958 Oct. 30, 1962 s. E. coRRY DERRICK MAST WITH LOAD CHECK ING MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 5, 1958 0 m 0V 1 a m 7 E w W F m I s @w a W Fig.5

United States Patent 3,060,732 DERRICK MAST WITH LOAD CHECKING MECHANISM Stuart E. Corry, 4605 S. Evanston, Tulsa, Okla. Filed Oct. 3, 1958, Ser. No. 765,080 7 Claims. (Cl. 73--141) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in derrick mast construction, and more specifically to a derrick mast base construction.

Like all other equipment, derricks have their safe load limitations. While an experienced operator can gauge the load being imposed upon a derrick mast, each individual can err with the result that at times derrick masts have become overloaded and thus damaged. It is therefore the primary object of this invention to provide an improved derrick mast base of the type which is provided with a load indicating mechanism whereby the operator of a derrick may, upon checking, determine the load imposed upon the mast thereof.

Another problem which frequently occurs in derrick operation is that either the derrick base shifts due to a settlement of the foundation, or due to the guy wires becoming slack.

It is therefore another object of this invention to provide an improved base for derrick masts, the base being so constructed that any shifting of the base or any changing of the tension in the guy wires may be readily detected.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved base for derrick masts, the base including a base member and a mast supporting member, there being a piston and cylinder connection between the two and a gauge communicated with the cylinder of the piston and cylinder connection whereby the load imposed on the mast supporting member may be readily determined.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved base for derrick masts, the base including a lower base member adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface, an intermediate member and a mast supporting member, there being hydraulic piston and cylinder connections between the intermediate member and the base member and the mast supporting member and the intermediate member, the piston and cylinder connection between the intermediate member and the mast supporting member being of a smaller capacity and range of force measurement and having a lesser cross-sectional area exposed to the hydraulic fluid than the piston and. cylinder connection between the base member and the intermediate member, and there being separate gauges for each of the piston and cylinder connections whereby the loads imposed upon a derrick mast and transferred to the base from the derrick mast may be accurately determined throughout a wide range.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a preferred first form of the derrick mast base which is the subject of this invention and shows the general outline thereof.

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the derrick mast base of FIGURE 1 and shows further the details thereof;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 3--3 of FIGURE 1 and shows the specific details of the derrick mast base including the piston and cylinder connections between the base member, the intermediate member and the mast supporting member thereof;

hydraulic fluid, and thus defines a chamber 46.

ice

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the broken section line 4--4 of FIGURE 2 and shows the construction of an intermediate part of the intermediate member including the provision of a cylinder and piston for calibrating the gauge connected thereto;

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a simplified alternative second form of derrick mast base;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 6-6 of FIGURE 5 and shows the specific details of the construction of the derrick mast base of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of a still further slightly modified third form of derrick mast base and shows the details thereof;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 8-8 of FIGURE 7 and shows the specific details of the derrick mast base; and

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional detail view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 9-9 of FIGURE 7 and shows the manner in which the base member and the mast supporting members are locked together.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6 an extremely simple form of the present invention, the derrick mast base of these figures being referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. The derrick mast base 10 includes a base member 12 and a mast supporting member 14.

As is best shown in FIGURE 5, the base member 12 includes a generally rectangular plate 16 which has extending upwardly therefrom a piston-like portion 18. Surrounding the piston-like portion 18 and projecting thereabove is an annular ring 20 which is secured to the plate 16 as by welding 22.

The mast supporting member 14 includes a circular plate-like member in the form of a diaphragm 24. The diaphragm 24- is secured to the upper edge of the annular ring 20 as by welding 26. The diaphragm 24, although it is foamed of a relatively heavy gauge steel, is flexible under the loads imposed thereupon. Projecting upwardly from the diaphragm 24 is a support member 28 having an upwardly opening socket 30 receiving the lower end of a mast 32 of a derrick.

Extending upwardly from the plate 16 adjacent one end thereof is a pair of support brackets 34. Extending between the support brackets 34 and supported thereby .is

a gauge 36. The gauge 36 includes a suitable housing 38. The gauge 36 also includes a fluid line 40 which is connected to a fluid passage 42 formed in the plate 16. The fluid passage 42 extends into a fluid passage 44 which opens through the piston-like member 18 into the space between the piston-like member 18 and the diaphragm 24,v the space being filled with a suitable fluid, such as In the use of the derrick mast base 10, as the load on the derrick mast supporting member 14 varies, the fleXure of the diaphragm 24 will similarly vary and will pressurize the fluid in the chamber 46 and thus pressurization of the fluid will be recorded on the gauge 36. Referring now to FIGURES 7, 8 and 9 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated another simple form of derrick mast base which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 50. The derrick mast base 50 includes a base member 52 and a mast supporting member 54.

The base member 52 is circular in outline and includes a main portion 56 the underside of which may be roughened as at 58 to facilitate the anchoring of the base member 52. Projecting upwardly from the plate-like portion 56 is a fixed piston 60. Surrounding the piston 60 is a ring 62 which projects above the piston 60.

The mast supporting member 54 has a lower portion 64 which defines a cylinder 66. The cylinder 66 receives the piston 60. Disposed within the cylinder 66 is a chamber 68 receiving suitable fluid, such as hydraulic fluid. The lower portion 64 is locked to the base member 52 by means of a retaining ring 70 which is releasably held in place by suitable fasteners 72, as is shown best in FIG- URE 9. Also, the piston 60 is sealed with respect to the cylinder 66 by means of a ring 74.

The mast supporting member 74 also includes a central upwardly projecting portion 76 having an upwardly opening socket 78 formed therein for the reception of the lower end of a mast 80. The portion 76 is reinforced with respect to the portion 64 by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced gussets 82. In order to facilitate the handling of the derrick mast base 50, there is also provided a suitable handle 84. The handle projects upwardly from a pair of the gussets 82, as is best shown in FIGURE 7.

Mounted between a pair of the gussets 82 is a gauge 86. The gauge 86 has a fitting 88 which not only is utilized for the mounting of the gauge 86, but communicates the gauge 86 with the chamber 68 through the fluid passage 90.

From the foregoing description of the base member 52 and the mast supporting member 54, it Will be seen that there is a piston and cylinder connection therebetween with the cylinder having hydraulic fluid disposed therein and the fluid supporting the mast supporting member 54 in a floating relation. In order that the gauge 86 may be calibrated, the mast supporting member 54 is provided with an auxiliary cylinder 92 which opens into the cylinder 66. Threadedly engaged in the cylinder 92 is an auxiliary piston 94 in the form of a screw. By Varying the position of the auxiliary piston 94 in the auxiliary cylinder 92, the gauge 86 may be suitably calibrated.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 through 4, inclusive, it will be seen that there is illustrated a preferred form of the invention, the derrick mast base of these figures being referred to in general by the reference numeral 100. The derrick mast base 100 includes a base member, which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 102 and a mast supporting member which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 104. Disposed intermediate the base member 102 and the mast supporting member 104 is an intermediate member 106.

The base member 102 includes a bottom plate 108 which is circular in outline. Extending upwardly from the bottom plate 108 is a ring 110 which defines a cylindrical chamber 112. In order to facilitate the handling of the derrick mast base 100, the plate 108 has secured thereto in diametrically opposite relation suitable handles 114.

The intermediate member 106' includes a lower portion in the form of a piston 116 and an upper portion in the form of a cylinder 118. The piston 116 is received in the cylindrical chamber 112 and is sealed thereto by means of a sealing ring 120. The piston 116 is retained in the chamber 112 by means of the retaining ring 122 which is removably secured in place by means of circumferentially spaced fasteners 124.

The mast supporting member 104 includes a lower portion in the form of a piston 126. The piston 126 is disposed within the cylinder 118. The upper portion of the mast supporting member 104 is referred to by the reference numeral 128 and has formed therein an upwardly opening socket 130 in which the lower end of the derrick mast 131 may be positioned.

The cylinder 118 terminates at its upper end in a laterally enlarged upper portion 132. The enlarged upper portion 132 defines an upper bearing surface 134. The bearing surface 134 opposes a bearing surface 136 disposed along the underside of the upper portion 128, the upper portion 128 being of a larger diameter than the piston der to provide the desired seal between the piston 126 and the cylinder 118, the lower part of the piston is provided with a sealing ring 139. The connection between the piston 126 and the cylinder 118 is sealed by means of a dust seal 140. The fluid 138 also extends down into a central bore 142 formed in the cylinder 118, as is best shown in FIGURE 3.

Mounted on the intermediate member 106 for movement therewith is a bracket 144 which supports a pair of gauges 146 and 148. The gauge 148 is communicated with the interior of the cylinder 118 by means of a flexible fluid line 150' which is connected to the cylinder 118 by means of a fitting 152 and which is communicated with the bore 142 by means of a transverse bore 154. This is best shown in FIGURE 4.

In order that the gauge 148 may be calibrated, the cylinder 118 has formed therein a second bore 156 which is also communicated with the bore 142. The bore 156 is aligned with an auxiliary cylinder 158 havingan end cap 160. Threadedly engaged in an internally threaded bore 162 through the end cap is a feed screw 164 of an auxiliary piston 166 which is disposed in the auxiliary cylinder 158. By adjusting the position of the auxiliary piston 166, the gauge 148 may be calibrated.

The gauge 146 is communicated with the chamber 112 by means of flexible fluid line 170 which is connected to the piston 116 by means of a fitting 172. T he flexible fluid line 170 is communicated with the interior of the chamber 112 by means of a bore 174 through the piston 116.

Also carried by the piston 116 is an auxiliary cylinder 176. The cylinder 176 is communicated with the cylinder 112 by means of a bore 178 through the piston 116. The auxiliary cylinder 176 has the opposite end thereof closed by an end cap 180 which is provided with a centrally disposed internally threaded bore 182 passing therethrough. T hreadedly engaged in the bore 182 is a threaded stem 184 of an auxiliary piston 186. By adjusting the position of the auxiliary piston 186 within the auxiliary cylinder 176, the gauge 146 may be calibrated.

At this time it is pointed out that the cylinder 118 is reinforced relative to the piston 116 by providing the intermediate member 106 with a plurality of gussets 188. The gussets 188 extend between the piston 116 and the cylinder 118, as is best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Also, as is best shown in FIGURE 1, the gauges 146 and 148 are provided with extra hands 190. Each of the hands 190 has connected thereto a set device 192 whereby the hand 190 of each of the gauges 146 and 148 may be set to a predetermined desired load indicating condition. Thus any movement of the gauges 146 and 148 will be readily viewable.

It is well known that any change in position of the base of the mast or any change in the tension of the guy wires of the mast will result in a change in the load exerted on the base. Thus, by determining the load imposed on the base through the gauges described hereinbefore, it will be readily apparent that any change in the derrick condition may be readily observed. Furthermore, inasmuch as the gauges are calibrated to give a direct reading of the loads imposed upon the base, it will be readily apparent that the derrick mast bases, which are the subject of this invention, may be readily determined. Actual tests have indicated that a single gauge is not sufficiently sensitive to reflect the information needed at all degrees of stress and pressure. Accordingly, two separate but coordinated gauges have been provided. When the gauge 148 approaches its capacity, the gauge 146 takes over and begins to function. Tests have also shown that in this manner suflicient information can be quickly obtained to ensure full protection for the operator at all times. The device has been found particularly useful for indicating the sinking of a foundation on which it is mounted or the slackening of the mast guy lines. In 'view of this construction, the overloading of a derrick may be readily prevented. It will be noted from FIGURE 3 that the pistons 116 and 126 and their associated cylinders have different cross-sectional areas exposed to the hydraulic fluid and thus will measure different ranges of forces.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A derrick mast base comprising a base member adapted to be seated on a supporting surface, a mast supporting member, an intermediate member disposed between said base member and said mast supporting member, a first piston and cylinder connection between said intermediate member and said base member, a second piston and cylinder connection between said mast supporting member and said intermediate member, liquid disposed in each of said cylinders and supporting both said intermediate member and said mast supporting member in floating relation, said second piston and cylinder connection being of a lesser capacity than said first piston and cylinder connection, said first and second piston and cylinder connections having different cross-sectional areas exposed to the liquid therein and measure difl'ferent ranges of forces, and gauges connected to each of said cylinders for indicating the load on each of said piston and cylinder connections.

2. A derrick mast base comprising a base member adapted to be seated on a supporting surface, a mast supporting member, an intermediate member disposed between said base member and said mast supporting member, a first piston and cylinder connection between said intermediate member and said base member, a second piston and cylinder connection between said mast supporting member and said intermediate member, liquid disposed in each of said cylinders and supporting both said intermediate member and said mast supporting member in floating relation, said second piston and cylinder connection being of a lesser capacity than said first piston and cylinder connection, said first and second piston and cylinder connections having different cross-sectional areas exposed to the liquid therein and measure diiferent ranges of forces, and gauges connected to each of said cylinders for indicating the load on each of said piston and cylinder connections, said intermediate member having two opposite end portions, one of said end portions being in the form of a cylinder, the other of said end portions being in the form of a piston.

3. A derrick mast base comprising a base member adapted to be seated on a supporting surface, a mast supporting member, an intermediate member disposed between said base member and said mast supporting member, a first piston and cylinder connection between said intermediate member and said base member, a second piston and cylinder connection between said mast supporting member and said intermediate member, liquid disposed in each of said cylinders and supporting both said intermediate member and said mast supporting member in floating relation, said second piston and cylinder connection being of a lesser capacity than said first piston and cylinder connection, said first and second piston and cylinder connections having different cross-sectional areas exposed to the liquid therein and measure different ranges of forces, and gauges connected to each of said cylinders for indicating the load on each of said piston and cylinder connections, an auxiliary cylinder opening into each of said cylinders, an auxiliary piston disposed within each of said auxiliary cylinders, said auxiliary pistons 'being calibrating pistons, and means adjustably mounting said auxiliary pistons.

4. A derrick mast base comprising a base member adapted to be seated on a supporting surface, a mast supporting member, an intermediate member disposed between said base member and said mast supporting member, a first piston and cylinder connection between said intermediate member and said base member, a second piston and cylinder connection between said mast supporting member and said intermediate member, liquid disposed in each of said cylinders and supporting both said intermediate member and said mast supporting member in floating relation, said second piston and cylinder connection being of a lesser capacity than the first piston and cylinder connection, said first and second piston and cylinder connections having different cross-sectional areas exposed to the liquid therein and measure different ranges of forces, and gauges connected to each of said cylinders for indicating the load on each of said piston and cylinder connections, opposed bearing surfaces on said mast supporting members and said intermediate member, said bearing surfaces being spacai apart a distance less than the travel of the piston of said second piston and cylinder connection whereby the load imposed on said mast supporting member may be directly transferred to said intermediate member.

5. A derrick mast base including a base member, a cylinder on said base member having a fluid therein, a piston operable in the cylinder and floatingly supported by the fluid therein, a fluid pressure gauge connected to the cylinder, a relatively small cylinder mounted on the piston and having a fluid therein, a piston operable in the second named cylinder and floatingly supported by the fluid therein, a fluid pressure gauge connected to said second named cylinder, and means for mounting a mast on said second named piston, said pistons in said first and second named cylinders being of different crosssectional areas and measuring diiferent ranges of forces.

6. A derrick mast base in accordance with claim 5, wherein said gauges are coordinated whereby the first named gauge will begin to function as the second named gauge approaches the limit of its capacity.

7. A derrick mast base in accordance with claim 6, wherein said means includes a rounded, upstanding socket on the second named piston for receiving the mast for universal swinging and rotary movement.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,183,646 Hughes May 16, 1916 1,354,447 Troll Sept. 28, 1920 1,772,188 Mason Aug. 5, 1930 1,828,022 Brand Oct. 20, 1931 2,487,595 Ruge Nov. 8, 1949 2,503,698 Williams Apr. 11, 1950 2,551,178 Southerland May 1, 1951 2,909,367 Goehrig et a1. Oct. 20, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 563,769 Great Britain Aug. 29, 1944 

